Bank OZK grant helps enhance RCC’s mobile classroom initiative

ASHEBORO — Randolph Community College’s Small Business Center (SBC) has been awarded a $5,000 grant from Bank OZK to support expanded outreach and technical assistance for entrepreneurs and small businesses across Randolph County.

“We are grateful for Bank OZK’s continued partnership and investment in Randolph County’s economic future,” RCC President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan said. “This funding aligns perfectly with our Strategic Plan Imperatives of Access, Connection, Experience, and Success. By expanding technical assistance and outreach, we are supporting small businesses, helping to build stronger communities and creating opportunities for longterm economic growth.”

The funding will enhance the SBC’s mobile classroom initiative, enabling the center to deliver onsite technical assistance, financial literacy workshops, and entrepreneurship resources throughout the county. This includes direct collaboration with Bank OZK employees, who will lead sessions on topics such as credit building, loan readiness and financial planning.

“Transportation and access remain significant barriers for many aspiring business owners,” Director of the RCC Small Business Center Quinton Louris said. 

“With this grant, we can bring resources directly to those who need them most — right where they are.”

Last year, the SBC supported 27 new business starts, helped create 63 jobs, and provided 401 clients with nearly 360 hours of counseling and 40 events reaching 270 attendees. The grant will help build on that success by:

■ Expanding the reach of the SBC mobile unit to underserved areas,

■ Hosting technical assistance workshops in collaboration with Bank OZK,

■ Increasing student engagement with financial literacy and entrepreneurship programs,

■ Developing bilingual marketing materials to reach a broader audience.

For more information, visit http://rccurl.com/sbc or contact Louris at qlouris@randolph.edu or 336-633-0240.